GENESEO, NY: The SUNY Geneseo women's basketball team squared off against Brockport on Tuesday night in its final regular season game, falling 73-71 in a hard-fought battle. The Knights now enter the playoffs with an overall record of 17-8 and a conference record of 11-5.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Knights got off to a slow start in the opening minutes. Brockport built an eight-point lead as Geneseo's offense struggled to find its rhythm, but Aliza Whitehead knocked down a three-pointer to spark the team. Both sides continued to trade baskets as the quarter wound down, and Brockport held a 22-16 lead over Geneseo at the end of the frame.
- The second quarter began with Sophia Vasselman sinking two free-throws for the Knights. Geneseo built on that momentum, as Kristin Suydam knocked down three field-goals in just a minute and a half to pull the Knights within one, 34-33. With 35 seconds remaining, Whitehead drained a deep three to give the Knights a 36-34 lead heading into halftime.
- The Knights continued to find the basket, as Audrey Hintz finished a layup in the first 10 seconds. Grace Galgano followed shortly after with back-to-back layups of her own, giving Geneseo a 42-36 lead. Brockport responded by chipping away at the deficit and eventually took the lead back with under five minutes remaining. Going into the fourth, the Golden Eagles held a 58-52 advantage.
- The Knights put up a fight in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 65 with four minutes to play. Maggie McGrane followed with a layup and a three-pointer to give Geneseo a 70-65 lead. The Golden Eagles answered back, knotting the game at 71 with 12 seconds remaining. Brockport then drove in for a layup in the last second and the Knights didn't have time to respond, falling 73-71.
QUICK FACTS:
- Suydam tallied a team-high 18 points, shooting 8-for-17 from the floor and adding three blocks.
- Galgano contributed 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
- McGrane recorded 10 assists, bringing her team-leading total to 142.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Knights will face Sage in the Empire 8 quarterfinals on Saturday, February 21 at 2 P.M. in Schrader Gymnasium.